mardi 27 août 2013

Throwable 360° camera could aid search and rescue operations

Serveball is a throwable camera that can capture 360-degree
footage while in the air, giving emergency responders visual coverage
where the eye can’t reach.

Devices such as the Kopin Golden-i Wireless Headset has already shown how emergency responders can take advantage of mobile tech. Now Serveball
– a throwable camera that can capture 360-degree footage while in the
air – could find use in search and rescue missions, giving responders
visual coverage where the eye can’t reach.

The ball – which is around the size of a tennis ball – features
cameras on four sides as well as an accelerometer that enables it to
detect its orientation. By determining the direction each camera is
pointing, the device stitches the images it takes together to provide a
panoramic view of its surroundings. Because it also tracks its own spin,
the footage can be corrected to provide stabilized, near-static
coverage of every angle while in mid-air. The footage is transmitted to a
monitor in real time through a wireless connection, meaning that those
engaged in search and rescue operations could throw the camera into
difficult-to-reach locations to gain a view they otherwise might not
have been able to. The camera can also operate as a night vision or
thermal imaging device, proving useful in low-visibility settings or
where fire is a risk. Multiple Serveballs can be used together, using
geolocation and sensors to stitch their footage together, creating a
larger picture of the area of interest.

The video below offers a
demonstration of the device:Although it has obvious applications for emergency situations, the
Serveball could also be used for military reconnaissance, film projects
or environment mapping, especially when using multiple devices in
tandem. Could this kind of technology be applied elsewhere?